Timing Marks - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

VegasFord · 01-09-2007, 19:34

I'm trying to set the timing on my 1980 302 to 6 degrees BTC. When I shoot it with the timing light, the mark is WAY off from the pointer; about 1/4 the way around the harmonic balancer. No amount of turning the distributer will get it to line up; it will go dead long before, and I don't think my timing can be THAT far off. I'm certain my hookup is correct (to the #1 spark plug cable).

Could this be because the timing chain, cam, or something was changed and everything wasn't lined up correctly during reinstallation, causing the timing marks to be off? Or am I doing something wrong? Is there a fix? Thanks in advance.

wythors · 01-09-2007, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by VegasFord

I'm certain my hookup is correct (to the #1 spark plug cable).

You're hooked up to the front cable on the passenger's side? Does your timing light have a dial adjuster on it? If so, is it set to zero?

If your timing was that far off, your car wouldn't be running. Something ain't right here.

VegasFord · 01-09-2007, 23:30

Yep, it's hooked to the number one cylinder, passenger's side nearest the front of engine. I agree if it was that far off, it wouldn't be running. thanks